It happened just as I was preparing to tumble into bed. Making yet another resolution to begin a more disciplined, ordered prayer life starting right away - like, in the morning - I was hit with a cold shot of Reality.
I will never begin a disciplined prayer life if I set my sights on doing it "in the morning."
If I could put words to what I felt, they would be: "so, what's wrong with right now?" Why wait? Whatever am I waiting FOR? Rather than rattling off a few hit-or-miss night prayers and then waking several hours later to a vague memory of "that resolution I made last night," I can settle in and talk with God for a few minutes right now. After all, as Right Nows go, this is a perfectly good one. I'm the only one in the house still up, the rooms around are quiet, and the most important bedtime ritual I can perform is to climb into my armor.
That habit I was constructing last week: I think it's about time I start truly wearing it. But I won't ever do so (I know this about myself) if I keep planning the "clothing ceremony" for tomorrow.
I hope to share here - between regular prayer times - how the routine is going.
For now, however, I am going to climb into my armored PJs and give my night to Our Lord.
"You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground. Stand fast, with the truth as the belt around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and zeal to propagate the gospel of peace as your footgear. In all circumstances, hold faith up before you as your shield, it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, the word of God." (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Painting: George William Joy, Joan of arc
Click this line to comment in 'The Parlor'
